The region's biggest police force is planning a restructure to streamline efficiency.

The region's biggest police force is planning a restructure to streamline efficiency.

A review is under way of the 15 command areas across the Northumbria force, it emerged today.

The new structure will result in the merger of several command areas into six super commands, headed by chief superintendents.

Officers were told of the proposed revamp in letters sent out to the 4,000 police and 1,500 civilian staff.

Although some officers said they were apprehensive about the changes, they have been reassured that there will be no reduction in front-line policing.

A force spokeswoman said: "A review is under way and results will be implemented in April for the start of the new financial year. Whereas we have successfully reduced crime in successive years, no organisation can stand still.

"We are changing to provide a better service for the public. The aim is to have a more centralised management."

A conference to discuss the implications of the reshuffle takes place next month.

One of the changes will mean the merger of the four city commands, including East, West, North and city centre, into an overall unit.

Northumberland is also expected to form one command area from the present North, and South East Northumberland area commands.

Frontline policing rotas and shifts are not expected to change but some staff may be redeployed in a different area to meet the demand.

Northumbria Police Federation chairman, David Raine, said: "The force works in partnership with the local councils and other organisations.

"The new command area structure is being looked at with a view to cutting down on bureaucracy.

"We are waiting for the details of the moves to be ironed out."

It is understood the new command areas will have a figurehead chief superintendent dealing with policy decisions and liaising with other authorities, along with a superintendent who has the responsibility for running the front-line policing, and three chief inspectors.

More investment will be needed to build or refurbish facilities like some of the custody suites at the older police stations, and to provide new equipment.